Playing Ball on the Susquehanna

FNB FieldHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

“We loved the way the new Metro Bank Park turned out. To say it’s a vast improvement over the old place is an understatement: it addressed basic deficiencies in the previous design and added all the amenities fans expect in a modern ballpark — and all of this was done with style.”

Kevin Reichard
Publisher, Ballpark Digest

Perched on an island in the Susquehanna River, the renovated FNB Field complements Harrisburg’s picturesque setting.

The ballpark for the Harrisburg Senators is “one of the best environments in Double-A, if not all of baseball,” according to Ballpark Digest, which also notes that Metro Bank Park “is a clear example of a renovation done perfectly.”

Located on City Island, the ballpark is surrounded by a 62-acre community park in the middle of the Susquehanna River. In addition to enhancing the game-day experience for Senators fans, the renovation had to respond to the constrained footprint on this flood-challenged site.

To alleviate potential flooding issues, the concourse, or “boardwalk,” is above the flood-height elevation and wraps around the whole stadium. At the field level, fan amenities are mobile and easy to move to higher ground. More permanent spaces can be quickly sealed off as needed.

Also located above where floodwaters have risen on the concourse level, a new 8,600-sq.-ft. operations building houses the team’s front offices, security, first-aid and box office, along with a souvenir store, concession stand and public restrooms.

A new roof covering most of the seating bowl protects fans from the elements. In addition to the vertical grandstand, seating options include 20 suites with sweeping views of the field and the Harrisburg skyline. Fans can enjoy enhanced outfield seating options featuring an outfield bar with drink rails and stools plus additional seating beneath the scoreboard. The strategy of creating diverse viewing areas throughout the ballpark has proven extremely successful.

Other amenities include improved picnic areas, new concessions and restrooms, and a children’s play area along the third-base concourse. An upgraded scoreboard and sound system enhance the fan experience.